George Mason University moving Loudon campus closer to NOVA

George Mason University (GMU) is moving its Loudoun location next to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) in July 2014. The Fairfax-based university will move from Ridgetop Circle in Sterling to 21335 Signal Hill Plaza in Sterling.

GMU’s Assistant Vice President for Regional Campuses Kathleen Q. Johnson said in a statement that the new location off Route 7 will be more visible and accessible to students. There also will be opportunities for collaboration between GMU and NOVA since they’ll be neighbors, Johnson said.

The institutions already have a working relationship. GMU offers guaranteed admission to NOVA graduates who meet certain requirements. Since 2005, NOVA and Mason have participated in the Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program, which provides a smooth transition for students from high school to the community college to the university.

GMU said in a news release it will continue to offer the same types of programs now available at the Ridge Top Circle location.